A recirculating ball power steering system includes an electric motor. The system also includes a ball screw rotatably driven by the electric motor. The system further includes a ball nut translatable along the ball screw in a linear direction during rotation of the ball screw. The system yet further includes a sliding joint in sliding contact with an outer surface of the ball nut, the sliding joint moveable in a non-parallel direction relative to the linear direction of the ball nut.

A recirculating ball power steering system includes an electric motor. The system also includes a ball screw rotatably driven by the electric motor. The system further includes a ball nut translatable along the ball screw in a linear direction during rotation of the ball screw. The system yet further includes a sliding joint in sliding contact with an outer surface of the ball nut, the sliding joint moveable in a non-parallel direction relative to the linear direction of the ball nut.

According to embodiments, it is possible to prevent vibration and gaps in a coupling structure between rotation shafts, thus allowing for reduction in noise, enhanced responsiveness, accurate steering, and a better straight driving performance.

A steering system comprises a first engagement member; a second engagement member to be engaged with the first engagement member; a supporting portion to support the second engagement member; and an elastic member at least partially enclosed in the supporting portion to apply a preload to the second engagement member and absorb an impact load. The elastic member has a first deformation under a first load and at least a second deformation under a second load greater than the first load, and a ratio of the first load to the first deformation is less than a ratio of the second load to the second deformation.

A steering system comprises a first engagement member; a second engagement member to be engaged with the first engagement member; a supporting portion to support the second engagement member; and an elastic member at least partially enclosed in the supporting portion to apply a preload to the second engagement member and absorb an impact load. The elastic member has a first deformation under a first load and at least a second deformation under a second load greater than the first load, and a ratio of the first load to the first deformation is less than a ratio of the second load to the second deformation.

A recirculating-ball steering system for transmitting a steering movement to a steering arm, includes: a housing having a steering piston arranged inside the housing, wherein the steering piston includes a ball screw drive and is displaceable along its longitudinal axis, and an electrical actuator for assisting the movement of the steering piston. Also described is a vehicle having the recirculating-ball steering system.

A steering system for an autonomous vehicle or a steer-by-wire vehicle is simpler than a rack and pinion mechanism. The pinion is replaced by a roller and the toothed portion of the rack is replaced by a flat section. The bar, which replaces the rack is translated along its axis by an electric actuator such as a ball screw. The roller and a yoke prevent out of axis movement and prevent rotation about the axis.

A steering system for an autonomous vehicle or a steer-by-wire vehicle is simpler than a rack and pinion mechanism. The pinion is replaced by a roller and the toothed portion of the rack is replaced by a flat section. The bar, which replaces the rack is translated along its axis by an electric actuator such as a ball screw. The roller and a yoke prevent out of axis movement and prevent rotation about the axis.

The present invention relates to a power assisted steering system arrangement (100A) for a vehicle comprising a steering wheel (120A), a first, driver, link arrangement (10A) comprises a linkage between the steering wheel (120C) and the front wheels (127,127) comprising a steering column (121A), a Recirculating Ball Joint, RCB, (123A) arranged on a first side of the vehicle, a track rod arrangement for steering the front wheels (127,127), a first lever arm (124A) arranged to transfer a driver torque applied by via the steering wheel to the track rod arrangement providing a connection between the RCB (123A) and the track rod arrangement. The system further comprises a torsion bar (128A) with a torsion-bar torque sensor associated with the steering column (121A), an assistance actuator (30A), arranged on a second side of the vehicle, opposite to the side of the vehicle where the RCB is arranged, said assistance actuator (30A) comprising at least an electric motor (115A) and an Electronic Control Unit, ECU, (110A) controlling the electric motor depending on control signals received from the torsion-bar torque sensor, and an assistance actuator link arrangement (20A) connected to said track rod arrangement, so that a steering torque applied by the driver as well as an assistance actuator torque provided or applied by the assistance actuator (30A) is transferred to the track rod arrangement steering the front wheels of the vehicle.

The present invention relates to a power assisted steering system arrangement (100A) for a vehicle comprising a steering wheel (120A), a first, driver, link arrangement (10A) comprises a linkage between the steering wheel (120C) and the front wheels (127,127) comprising a steering column (121A), a Recirculating Ball Joint, RCB, (123A) arranged on a first side of the vehicle, a track rod arrangement for steering the front wheels (127,127), a first lever arm (124A) arranged to transfer a driver torque applied by via the steering wheel to the track rod arrangement providing a connection between the RCB (123A) and the track rod arrangement. The system further comprises a torsion bar (128A) with a torsion-bar torque sensor associated with the steering column (121A), an assistance actuator (30A), arranged on a second side of the vehicle, opposite to the side of the vehicle where the RCB is arranged, said assistance actuator (30A) comprising at least an electric motor (115A) and an Electronic Control Unit, ECU, (110A) controlling the electric motor depending on control signals received from the torsion-bar torque sensor, and an assistance actuator link arrangement (20A) connected to said track rod arrangement, so that a steering torque applied by the driver as well as an assistance actuator torque provided or applied by the assistance actuator (30A) is transferred to the track rod arrangement steering the front wheels of the vehicle.